Army selects Textron, Griffon Aerospace for next two option periods of FTUAS

The Army has selected Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace for options 3 and 4 of the Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System rapid prototyping program, the service announced today.

FTUAS provides brigades with an “organic capability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations,” by reporting intelligence to soldiers to ensure “dominance during multidomain operations.” Among the capabilities are vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), as well as on-the-move command and control and soldier-led field level maintenance, according to the Army.

In September, the Army selected Textron and Griffon for the second option period, which included cost, schedule and risk assessment, as well as a critical design review to establish the prototype baseline.

The third option period will include flight demonstrations, a soldier touchpoint, and third-party verification of the modular open systems approach (MOSA), the Army stated today. In Option 4, the companies will deliver “production representative” prototypes to be used in testing and operational demonstrations. The fourth option period will conclude with a production readiness review.

The Army has included $129 million in its fiscal year 2025 budget request for the procurement of seven FTUAS systems, according to budget justification documents.